Built on Grit. Driven by Purpose.
We transform a historic legacy of resilience into modern pathways of opportunity, education, and empowerment for the next generation.
Founded in honor of NASCAR’s first African American driver, team owner, and master mechanic, the Wendell Scott Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving underrepresented youth. We believe that where you start shouldn’t dictate how far you can go. By providing access to resource-rich STEM education, leadership mentorship, and financial scholarships, we give young people the tools to engineer their own futures.
Programs
Unyielding Perseverance
Inspired by Wendell Scott’s ability to triumph over systemic adversity and limited resources, we teach youth to view obstacles as challenges to overcome, building the emotional and mental fortitude needed to succeed.
STEM Exploration
Mechanics and engineering were at the heart of the #34 garage. We ignite curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math, opening doors to high-demand careers that shape tomorrow’s world.
Cultural Enrichment
True success is never achieved alone. We cultivate a tight-knit ecosystem of support through school partnerships, family engagement, and community mentoring to lift youth collectively.
From the Pit Wall to the Classroom
In 1963, Wendell Scott shook the foundations of motorsport by winning at NASCAR’s highest level. He didn’t have corporate backing, massive budgets, or factory-engineered parts. He had his hands, his brilliant mechanical mind, and a fiercely loyal family pit crew. Today, that same independent, barrier-breaking spirit fuels our foundation. We look at underserved communities and see untapped potential—future engineers, tech innovators, and community leaders who just need someone to clear the track for them. We aren’t just telling a history story; we are actively writing the next chapter.
Students Mentored
1,000+
Youth Engaged in STEM
5,000+
Scholarships Awarded
50+
Scholarships Awarded Annually
10
Community Events Hosted Each Year
20+
of Participants Report Increased Confidence
80%
Testimonials
Student Scholar
I used to think engineering was just sitting at a desk doing math, but building things and seeing the science behind racing made it real. Camp Cultivation and Steer Into STEM completely changed how I look at my future. The mentors here showed me that I actually belong in this space, and now I am heading to college for mechanical engineering. – Student Scholar
Parent
As a parent, you want your kids to find their passion, but you also need safe spaces for them to do it. Camp Cultivation gave my son a place to learn, grow, and build real confidence. He came home every single day excited to talk about technology and agriculture. The foundation treats these kids like family and actually invests in them.
NASCAR Driver
I was ready to give up on my dream of working in motorsports because it felt too out of reach for someone like me. Learning about Wendell Scott’s grit and participating in these programs gave me my second wind. They taught me how to build my skills and ignore the doubts. I am on this career path today because they refused to let me quit.
Parent
Sending a child to college is a massive financial hurdle, and we were not sure how we were going to make it work. The Wendell Scott Foundation stepped in and took that weight off our shoulders.
Join Us on the Track to Tomorrow.
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with our school programs, or make a tax-deductible donation, your support directly fuels youth development and STEM access.
